Four Ways you can Settle into a New School Year

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Things to keep in mind when walking into your new Sheridan life

By: Bisola (Bisy)

Starting a new school year has to be the most stressful experience at times. Finding your classes, learning names, filling out applications, remembering where things are, managing your time well; all these things may take some time to learn, and affect how you may be able to settle into your new life as a Sheridan student. 
But don't be dismayed, because there is in fact hope for us college students. I have put together a quick action plan that you can take to ensure that you have a successful year ahead. 

1. Plan your path ahead

When entering a new space, it's important to know as much as you can about that space. For example, before moving, you're not just going to buy the place; you would schedule tours of that new place FIRST! So don’t wait until the first day to understand how your year may look, when you can just plan!

So, schedule a school tour on the website and go see your school campus, when you're there ask questions, and even find some spaces you might like. If you feel like you may need more information, sign up to go to orientation, and you can even invite a friend to make things interesting.  

Whether you're at HMC, Davis, or TRC, your campus is there for you to explore. Know the best spot for lunch, or your favorite quiet place to study, learn what kinds of perks you have access to, or maybe even where students primarily go to hang out.  

And if you're not able to go in person, it's ok, because there is still the option to explore online! Use the Sheridan Student resources page to find out what you have access to as a student and use the SSU Student Spaces page to learn more about where you can go to hang out and chill! 

2. Create and work with your new routine

Now that you’ve just started school, it's important to have a routine that works well for you, because if you're anything like me, then you understand how annoying it is to get up every day in pure bliss, get to school and realize you forgot to do that homework that was given to you 3 weeks ago.  Some moments, it may just feel like you have some kind of selective memory loss, that’s only in effect when you need to do something important like go to class, finish an assignment, or study for a quiz. But trust me when I tell you, the only reason you forget is because life is constantly throwing tasks at you, so all you need is a routine to remind you.  

So go, do some research and create a routine that works best for you!

And always remember, new experiences are now chasing after you, so the best way to handle that is to embrace them, by making space for them.  

3. Keep an open mind to stay connected

If you are assuming that college is going to be filled with a bunch of people like you, then you may be in for a surprise. Your classes are full of people of different ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds, and everyone in that classroom may have something that they would like to share with you, teach you, or even ask you.

Be open enough to talk to them. College is more collaborative, which may be scary, but sometimes, an open mind will remind you that your whole class is filled with students just like you trying to learn and experience. Once you remember that, it makes it easier to approach others.  

Remember, one of the best parts of a new environment is the new people that you may meet and experience, so do your best to approach. A great way you can meet others is by going to the Sheridan Student Union Events and Clubs! Go to an SSU event or club, tell someone you like their outfit and remember that no matter where you came from, you can always find connections through those around you. Seek new perspectives and make friends with people you may have never approached in high school.  

4. If it's too much, take that break

Dealing with school, jobs, and personal life one week after another is not easy. It's important to take time to relax. Take a breather.  Yes, you may have a lot to get done, and yes, you really do need to lock in on some of those tasks, but nothing will get done if your battery is 0%. So why risk it? 
Take time to breathe.  
And you know what, it really is that damn phone, so put it down for a while.  Go for a walk, listen to your favorite album, and if you need more help than that, speak to someone that can help you find a solution. Your mom, dad, guardian, friends, or even a school counsellor. And always remember, if you're doing what you can, you're doing great! 

Access the free student counselling provided by Sheridan College, as well as the Maple Assistance Program provided by SSU to help you find someone to talk to!

And that concludes the Four Ways you can Settle into a New School Year.  If this resonated with you, feel free to click on any of the links I have provided here. 

And don’t forget: This is your year. So, own it! 

Enjoy Sheridan Life

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Enjoy Sheridan Life :)

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Want to check out more? Then click these blogs right here!

Take a look at these blogs that may interest you as you move into a new school year! Learn about how other students were able to navigate their experiences and some tips that may help you along the way!

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